Scenic byway · Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest · est. 1908
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF — Mt. Baker Scenic Byway
WA 542 dead-ends in the alpine at Artist Point (5,140 ft) — Silver Fir's 30-ft dry-camp with on-site dump anchors the byway, world-record snowfall sets the late-June Artist Point open date.
Max RV length
30 ft
Hookups
None (dry)
Dump station
Yes
Dispersed camping
Allowed per MVUM
RV season
Late May – mid-October (high road) · Year-round low loops
Access road
Paved WA 542 (Mt. Baker Scenic Byway), 58 mi, ends at Artist Point
About this area
WA 542 climbs 58 paved miles from Bellingham to Artist Point (5,140 ft) — the byway dead-ends in the alpine, and the last 2 miles above Heather Meadows imposes a 30-ft rig limit by road geometry, not signage. Douglas Fir Campground and Silver Fir Campground anchor the rig-grade developed camping along the byway, both 30-ft dry-camp with on-site dump at Silver Fir. Mt. Baker itself (10,781 ft) holds the world record for one-season snowfall (95 ft, 1998-99 season per NOAA), which sets the byway's late-spring opening date — typically late June at Artist Point even when the byway opens lower. Dispersed camping is broadly allowed under the MBS MVUM along forest roads branching off WA 542; popular spots are off FSR 32 toward Twin Lakes (high-clearance recommended). Black bear protocol enforced — no grizzly population on this side.
How to plan this area
Reservations and the Motor Vehicle Use Map
Developed loops book through recreation.gov; dispersed camping is legal only where the ranger district's MVUM allows it. Both links go straight to the official source.
Looking for the rig? Browse Washington RV rentals on PickRV
Official sources
Every fact on this page traces back to these primary sources.
More USFS areas in Washington
Washington rules · last verified 2026-05-10
- Rental tax
- 9.50%
- Min driver age
- 21+ std · 25+ Class A
- Gravel roads
- Allowed — no restriction
- Generator quiet
- 22:00-07:00
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